Arsonist Jailed for Life After Setting House Ablaze with Two Inside
A chilling attack in Faversham has landed Duncan Hornby, 60, a life sentence. Hornby doused a home in petrol and set it on fire while two people slept upstairs. He was convicted of attempted murder and arson after the early morning blaze on 6 July 2023.
Victims Make Hair-Raising Escape from Flaming House
The victims woke to a house engulfed in flames. Forced to leap from the first floor to escape, their desperate jump saved their lives. They then ran into Hornby in the garden. Neighbours helped rush them to hospital with minor injuries.
Arsonist Caught Hiding in Woodland After Fleeing Scene
Hornby vanished after setting the fire, sparking a police manhunt. Officers found him hiding in a bird hut near Oare, Faversham, the next day. He was immediately arrested and charged with attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
Life Sentence Delivered at Maidstone Crown Court
Though Hornby admitted arson, he denied attempted murder. His January 2024 trial ended with a guilty verdict for attempted murder. On 7 September, Maidstone Crown Court sentenced him to life, with a minimum 20 years before parole.
Detective Inspector Lee Neiles blasted Hornby’s “calculated and evil” act. “He could have killed two people that night. Instead of facing justice, he fled and denied everything, forcing victims through a traumatic trial,” Neiles said.
“Now he faces a prison term that matches the seriousness of his crime.”
The victims have been discharged from hospital and are recovering physically. Yet the mental scars from the harrowing ordeal remain.
